Actor Robert Redford dead at 89
Iconic actor Robert Redford died at the age of 89 in his Utah home.
Legendary actor, director and icon of American cinema Robert Redford died Tuesday at age 89.
His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood stars including Meryl Streep, Scarlett Johansson, Marlee Matlin, Ron Howard and others.
Redford’s rep confirmed the beloved actor’s death to Fox News Digital.
Robert Redford passed away on Sept. 16. (AP Photo)
"Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025, at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah – the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved," a representative shared in a statement. "He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy."
Barbra Streisand, who starred opposite Redford in "The Way We Were," remembered both the on-screen chemistry and the off-screen connection they shared.
"Every day on the set of ‘The Way We Were’ was exciting, intense and pure joy," Streisand said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them! Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie."
Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand share a scene in "The Way We Were." The movie was released in 1973. (Getty Images)
"Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting — and one of the finest actors ever."
As she reflected on their final visit, Streisand shared a touching memory: "The last time I saw him, when he came to lunch, we discussed art and decided to send each other our first drawings."
She concluded, "He was one of a kind and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him."
Scarlett Johansson, who made her breakout performance under Redford’s direction in "The Horse Whisperer," expressed her gratitude for his early mentorship.
"Bob Redford cast me in ‘The Horse Whisperer’ when I was 11 years old. Every day before each scene, he would take the time to sit with me and walk me through all of the beats that led my character up until that particular point in the story," Johansson recalled in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Robert Redford directed Scarlett Johansson in "The Horse Whisperer" when she was 11 years old. (Gregory Pace/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
"No matter the reality of the day's rush, I always felt he had all the time in the world for our work. Bob created an environment on set that was calm and precious; a place where actors could make discoveries. He was patient and warm and kind."
She added, "Bob taught me what acting could be… from his generosity and patience, I was inspired to pursue the possibilities of the craft. That same generosity and love of the art inspired Bob’s creation of Sundance… where filmmakers learn from one another, inspire one another, and discover one another’s talent."
"Bob, thank you for your belief in me and for your grace and guidance. You inspired so many artists, me included, to go deeper, to stay present, to push creative boundaries, and to explore further, and for that, we are forever grateful."
Streep, his co-star in "Out of Africa" and "Lions for Lambs," also honored the Hollywood legend.
Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Klaus Maria Brandauer on the set of "Out of Africa." (Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)
"One of the lions has passed. Rest in peace, my lovely friend," she said, according to Deadline.
Jane Fonda mourned the loss of her longtime friend. The two shared more than five decades of friendship — Redford landed a breakout role in Neil Simon’s "Barefoot in the Park," first on the Broadway stage and then on screen alongside Fonda in 1967.
Jane Fonda mourned the loss of her longtime friend in a statement shared Tuesday. (AP Photo)
"It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone. I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for," she shared in a statement, according to People.
Oscar winner Marlee Matlin took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute.
"Our film, ‘CODA,’ came to the attention of everyone because of Sundance. And Sundance happened because of Robert Redford. A genius has passed. RIP Robert," Matlin wrote on X.
His former "Indecent Proposal" co-star, Demi Moore, posted a clip of one of their scenes together on Instagram.
"The world has lost an incredible actor, director, husband, father, friend," she wrote in the caption. "Robert’s legacy will live on forever in so many ways and I will carry the many memories we share close to my heart. What I would do for just one more dance ♥️."
Demi Moore and Robert Redford starred in "Indecent Proposal." (Paramount Pictures/Getty Images)
Redford starred in popular films including "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," a box-office smash from which his Sundance Film Institute and festival got their names. He played opposite Paul Newman in the 1969 film.
He founded the Sundance Film Institute in 1981.
Robert Redford and Ethan Hawke attend Sundance Institute's "An Artist at the Table Presented by IMDbPro" at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2020, in Park City, Utah. (Rich Polk/Getty Images for IMDb)
"Robert’s legacy remains ingrained in our culture, transformed by his artistry, activism and the founding of Sundance Institute and Film Festival," Ethan Hawke said on Instagram, adding that Redford was a "relentless advocate for authentic storytelling and a fiercely passionate environmentalist."
Some of Hawke's own films, including "Before Sunrise" and "Boyhood," have previously premiered at Sundance.
Ethan Hawke said Redford was a "relentless advocate for authentic storytelling and a fiercely passionate environmentalist." (Getty Images)
Elizabeth McGovern, who worked with Redford on "Ordinary People," remembered more than just his films.
"Robert Redford gave me my first job in ‘Ordinary People,’ setting a high bar in terms of a subsequent career," she shared in a statement to People.
"His intelligence, empathy and understanding, not only as a filmmaker, but also as a person have been difficult to match. When we shot ‘Ordinary People,' he did my scenes on the weekend so that I could attend The Juilliard School during the week. This was the kind of caring person he was. I revered him then; I revere him now."
Actor and filmmaker Ron Howard paid tribute to Redford’s influence in the industry.
"RIP & thank you Robert Redford, a tremendously influential cultural figure for the creative choices made as an actor/producer/director & for launching the Sundance Film Festival which supercharged America’s Independent Film movement. Artistic Gamechanger," he wrote on X.
Robert Redford was remembered by Julianne Moore as "the first movie star that I ever loved." (Reuters)
Actress Julianne Moore shared an old photo of her and Redford on Instagram, calling him "the first movie star that I ever loved."
My sister sent me this photo this morning from #sundance - it was very hard for me to behave normally in his presence. #RIP Robert Redford," she wrote in the caption. "We will all miss you ❤️."
In a statement to Fox News Digital, actor Ralph Fiennes said, "I’m incredibly sad to learn of Robert Redford’s death."
"The Schindler’s List" star recalled working closely with Redford on the 1994 drama "Quiz Show," a pivotal moment in his early Hollywood career.
Legendary actor and director Robert Redford died at the age of 89, with celebrities honoring his impact on cinema and the Sundance Film Festival he founded. (Herbert Dorfman/Corbis via Getty Images)
"Thirty two years ago he cast me in ‘Quiz Show’ alongside John Turturro and Rob Morrow," Fiennes said. "I remember his patience and kindness as I became acquainted with all things '50s America — and American culture generally. It was challenging and intense and fun."
Fiennes praised Redford’s mentorship and said, "I loved his droll sense of humour as he guided me through screen acting skills and process."
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"His maverick spirit was readily apparent, and he made clear his wariness regarding Hollywood clichés and practice," Fiennes added. "I treasure my experience of working with him, which was also an introduction to a great filmmaker with a true artistic vision of an American cinema that could be intelligent, original and politically provocative."
Ralph Fiennes paid tribute to Robert Redford in a statement to Fox News Digital. "I loved his droll sense of humour as he guided me through screen acting skills and process," he said in part. (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
Fiennes also reflected on a personal moment with Redford that left a lasting impression.
"He took me riding near his home in New Mexico. I’m no horseman, but he made me feel I could be."
He concluded, "The filmmaking world is smaller without him."
Michelle Pfeiffer, who starred alongside Redford in the film "Up Close and Personal," shared a photo from the movie on Instagram, writing, "Until we meet again, my friend. 🤍"
Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert Redford starred together in "Up Close and Personal." (Buena Vista/Getty Images)
Marisa Tomei took to Instagram to pay tribute to the Hollywood legend, sharing a clip of him in the film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."
"The Sundance Kid, waving one last time," she wrote in the caption. "Redford’s generosity wasn’t just in his art, but how he showed up for the world. when Ms. Magazine was starting out, his pr office shared the same building. he volunteered his gorgeous back for their oct ’75 cover, knowing the attention would help. always lending his weight to something bigger than himself. a legend in every sense. 🕊️"
Author Stephen King reflected on the era Redford helped define.
"Robert Redford has passed away. He was part of a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Hard to believe he was 89," King wrote on X.
Actress Rita Wilson shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram alongside a photo of Redford.
"Robert Redford. Your art stands the test of time. Your love of young filmmakers and artists gave us Sundance Film Festival," Wilson wrote. "You showed us the importance of nature. As a director, we were able to see your art from behind the camera. You will be remembered always. And you will be missed. May your memory be eternal."
Jamie Lee Curtis also honored Redford with a black-and-white photo of the Hollywood actor.
"A life! Family, art, transformation, advocacy, creation, legacy … Thank you Robert Redford," she posted on social media.
Robert Redford during the filming of "Downhill Racer," May 1969. (Ernst Haas/Getty Images)
Rosie O’Donnell honored Redford with a photo of him as Hubbell Gardiner in "The Way We Were."
"Oh Hubbell — we will never be the same. Goodnight Bob — what a legacy," she posted on Instagram.
Actor Colman Domingo also weighed in with a nod to Redford’s lasting influence.
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Robert Redford attends the premiere of "The Old Man and the Gun" at the Paris Theater on Sept. 20, 2018, in New York. (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Images)
"With love and admiration. Thank you, Mr. Redford, for your everlasting impact. Will be felt for generations. R.I.P," he shared on X.
"Superman" director James Gunn honored Redford for his legendary work in several popular Hollywood films.
"THE movie star," Gunn declared on social media. "I grew up with his movies: his quiet, unforced performances and ever-present grace… He […] will be greatly missed."
William Shatner added on X, "Condolences to the family of Robert Redford."
While actor Ben Stiller shared on social media, "No actor more iconic," with a photo of Redford.
"Law & Order: SVU" star, Mariska Hargitay posted a photo of her and Redford on the red carpet together, and shared some wise words the actor once shared with her.
"'Always speak from your heart,' Robert Redford told me once when I had the good fortune to meet him. The simplest words, but profound and life-changing coming from him. Deepest respect for his life lived from the heart."
Mariska Hargitay paid tribute to Redford on Instagram. ( Chris Hatcher/Getty Images)
Alec Baldwin reflected on Redford’s kindness and support during a difficult chapter in his own life.
"I just want to say a quick thing about Bob Redford. Like all of the greats, the biggest names in this business… all of those people of that generation, they were the greatest guys and women… the biggest movie stars, they were very kind… obviously Bob, Newman… Hoffman, Hackman, Nicholson, Al, DeNiro," Baldwin said in an Instagram video.
Baldwin went on to share a personal gesture from Redford during the time of his tragic on-set shooting death of a cinematographer during his film "Rust."
"I got a letter from Bob Redford when it was over… unsolicited… ‘I’m so glad it turned out this way, I’m so sorry what you had to go through.’ I got the loveliest letter from Robert Redford," Baldwin said.
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Fox News Digital's Lori A. Bashian contributed to this story.
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